It was a game of contrasting fortunes at the King Power Stadium on Monday, as Newcastle United solidified their impressive form with a dominant victory over Leicester City.
The win saw Newcastle surge up to fifth place in the Premier League, while Leicester’s woes continued as they remained in 19th, deep in the relegation battle.
Leicester’s Struggles Continue Under Van Nistelrooy
Leicester’s season took another painful turn as they were no match for an assertive Newcastle side.
This defeat marked their 22nd loss in 31 Premier League games, a dismal run that has seen them drop further into the relegation zone.
Their current form, with 15 losses in their last 16 matches since mid-December, leaves little hope for a recovery.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took charge of Leicester at the end of November, admitted that the situation was deeply frustrating.
“Very disappointing,” he said after the game. “I came here with intent to bring the club forward, but so far, it hasn’t worked.”
He acknowledged the team’s ongoing struggles, especially their inability to score goals, which has become a major issue for the club.
Newcastle’s Early Dominance Sets the Tone
From the opening whistle, Newcastle showcased their superiority, taking the lead within the first two minutes.
Wilfried Ndidi’s missed tackle in midfield allowed Bruno Guimaraes to release Harvey Barnes, whose superb cross was expertly finished by Jacob Murphy at the back post.
“Great start, a brilliant first goal,” said Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, praising the professionalism of his team after their Carabao Cup triumph.
Newcastle’s second goal came in an audacious fashion. Fabian Schar, reading a pass, dispossessed Jamie Vardy and, spotting Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen off his line, launched a long-range shot.
The ball flew over Hermansen and hit the crossbar, but Murphy was quick to pounce on the rebound and score his second of the night, despite a slightly clumsy first touch.
Leicester Fans Express Frustration as Newcastle Cruise to Victory
The mood inside the King Power Stadium quickly turned toxic, with Leicester fans voicing their discontent through boos and protests aimed at the club’s director of football, John Rudkin.
Despite some bright moments, like Bilal El Khannouss’ shot saved by Nick Pope and a near-miss from Patson Daka, Leicester struggled to create clear chances.
Harvey Barnes, who made his first appearance at the King Power since his move to Newcastle, capped off a comprehensive win with a tap-in after a save from Joelinton.
Barnes chose not to celebrate the goal, showing respect for his former club.
As the match wore on, Newcastle comfortably saw out the second half, with their fans singing about the possibility of European football next season.
The win pushed them into fifth place, keeping their Champions League dreams alive, while Leicester’s fight against relegation became ever more desperate.
Leicester’s Relegation Battle Grows More Dire
Leicester’s defeat leaves them in a perilous position, just seven points ahead of Southampton, who were already relegated.
With just a handful of games remaining, it’s hard to see how they can avoid the drop unless there’s a miraculous turnaround.
The club’s inability to score and their catastrophic form at home has set them on a troubling path toward the Championship.
For Newcastle, it’s another step toward achieving a strong finish in the Premier League, as they continue to push for a spot in Europe.
The victory against Leicester was a testament to their growing confidence and their desire to make the most of their solid season.
Match Stats and Player Ratings:
Leicester (3-4-2-1): Hermansen 5.5; Faes 5, Coady 5, Thomas 4.5; Justin 4.5 (Pereira 74), Ndidi 4, Soumare 5, Kristiansen 4 (Mavididi 46, 5.5); Daka 4.5 (Buonanotte 46, 6), El Khannouss 5 (Monga 74); Vardy 5.5.
Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope 6; Trippier 6 (Krafth 87), Schar 7, Burn 6.5, Livramento 7; Guimaraes 7 (Longstaff 66, 6), Tonali 7, Joelinton 7 (Miley 65, 6); Murphy 8 (Osula 72, 6), Isak 6.5 (Wilson 72, 6), Barnes 7.
Goals: Murphy 2 & 11, Barnes 34.
Leicester’s defeat at home continued their painful run of losses, while Newcastle’s solid performance keeps them on track for a European spot next season.
